1
|
Bø R, Kraft B, Joormann J, Jonassen R, Harmer CJ, Landrø NI. Cognitive predictors of stress-induced mood malleability in depression. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:278-292. [PMID: 37695740 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2255531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Basic attentional control, negative biases in attention and interpretation, and rumination are all cognitive processes associated with depression; however, less is known about their predictive role in depressive mood reactivity and -recovery in response to stress, and their relation to severity of depression. DESIGN & METHODS We experimentally induced stress based on an autobiographical imagery script in a sample of 92 participants with Major Depressive Disorder with or without comorbid anxiety disorders. We used simple regression analysis for investigating the roles of state- and trait rumination, attentional networks, and attentional and interpretation biases for predicting stress-induced depressive mood reactivity and -recovery, respectively, and whether they in parallel mediated the association between cognitive processes and depression severity. RESULTS Stress-induced depressive mood reactivity was predicted by better orienting ability and more state rumination. Better recovery was predicted by better orienting efficiency and lower negative interpretation bias. Furthermore, the relation between state rumination and depression severity was partially mediated by depressive mood reactivity, however limited by the lack of temporal precedence in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS We characterized the relation between cognitive processes and mood malleability in response to stress. Findings could refine theoretical models of depression if causality is established. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04137367.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Bø
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Brage Kraft
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Affect Regulation and Cognition Lab, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rune Jonassen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine J Harmer
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Nils Inge Landrø
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Goldberg X, Espelt C, Nadal R, Alon Y, Palao D, Bar-Haim Y, Armario A. Blunted neurobiological reactivity and attentional bias to threat underlie stress-related disorders in women survivors of intimate partner violence. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7329-7340. [PMID: 37194497 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) alters women's neurobiological stress response systems. We propose that individual differences early in the attentional processing of threats are associated with these neurobiological mechanisms and contribute to mental illness in this population. METHODS We assessed attentional bias in relation to threat (AB) in women survivors of IPV (n = 69) and controls (n = 36), and examined overall cortisol secretion using hair cortisol (HC), and stress responsiveness measuring salivary cortisol and α-amylase (sAA) before (T0), and after (T1, T2) an acute psychosocial stress task (Trier Social Stress Test). We used repeated-measures ANCOVAs to explore the associations between Group (IPV, control) and AB with acute stress response, and regression models to examine the associations with mental health symptoms. RESULTS There were no between-group differences in HC levels. An interaction between Group and AB was found regarding cortisol reactivity (p < 0.05). IPV women with threat avoidance AB showed a blunted cortisol response compared to controls and to IPV participants with threat vigilance AB. The association between sAA reactivity and the interaction between Group, AB, and time approached significance (p = 0.07), with a trend to lower sAA levels particularly in IPV women with threat avoidance AB. Group and cortisol reactivity were associated with symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (8-20% explained variance). CONCLUSIONS Threat avoidance AB is associated with blunted acute cortisol response among women exposed to chronic stress (IPV). Experiencing IPV and acute cortisol response appear to be clearly implicated in long-term mental health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Goldberg
- Mental Health Department, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Espelt
- Mental Health Department, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain
| | - R Nadal
- Psychobiology Unit (School of Psychology), Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Y Alon
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol Schoold of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - D Palao
- Mental Health Department, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Y Bar-Haim
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol Schoold of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - A Armario
- Institut de Neurociències, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Neurociència Traslacional, Barcelona, Spain
- Animal Physiology Unit (School of Biosciences), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lamontagne SJ, Zabala PK, Zarate CA, Ballard ED. Toward objective characterizations of suicide risk: A narrative review of laboratory-based cognitive and behavioral tasks. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105361. [PMID: 37595649 PMCID: PMC10592047 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Although suicide is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, current prevention efforts have failed to substantively mitigate suicide risk. Suicide research has traditionally relied on subjective reports that may not accurately differentiate those at high versus minimal risk. This narrative review supports the inclusion of objective task-based measures in suicide research to complement existing subjective batteries. The article: 1) outlines risk factors proposed by contemporary theories of suicide and highlights recent empirical findings supporting these theories; 2) discusses ongoing challenges associated with current risk assessment tools and their ability to accurately evaluate risk factors; and 3) analyzes objective laboratory measures that can be implemented alongside traditional measures to enhance the precision of risk assessment. To illustrate the potential of these methods to improve our understanding of suicide risk, the article reviews how acute stress responses in a laboratory setting can be modeled, given that stress is a major precipitant for suicidal behavior. More precise risk assessment strategies can emerge if objective measures are implemented in conjunction with traditional subjective measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Lamontagne
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Paloma K Zabala
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Ballard
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu D, Sun F, Zhu Y, Jia C, Mao Y, Liu B. Fitness Dance Counteracts Female Ph.D. Candidates' Stress by Affecting Emotion Regulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14627. [PMID: 36429345 PMCID: PMC9690972 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: The impact of stress on the nation's physical and mental health is considerable. Exercise is considered to have beneficial effects on mental health and the capacity for coping with stress. The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of fitness dance intervention on female Ph.D. candidates' stress, and compare it with the intervention effects of MBSR. Method: A repeated measurement experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of fitness dance and MBSR on Chinese female Ph.D. candidates' stress. Results: Twelve weeks of fitness dance and MBSR can reduce participants' stress from severe to moderate. Eight weeks of fitness dance can reduce the tension from perceived stress (p = 0.019) and loss of control from perceived stress (p = 0.043). Twelve weeks of fitness dance can reduce the tension from perceived stress (p < 0.000), loss of control from perceived stress (p = 0.002) and perceived stress (p = 0.001). Fitness dance and MBSR affect emotion regulation, thereby affecting stress. Fitness dance reduced participants' stress by improving their cognitive reappraisal ability. MBSR reduced participants' stress by improving their cognitive reappraisal ability and expression suppression ability. Conclusions: Fitness dance, as a method of exercise intervention, is suitable for reducing Chinese female Ph.D. candidates' stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Datian Liu
- Physical Education Department, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Fengxin Sun
- Physical Education Department, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhu
- Physical Education Department, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Changjun Jia
- Physical Education Department, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Yupeng Mao
- Physical Education Department, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Bing Liu
- School of Arts, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ercengiz M, Safalı S, Kaya A, Turan ME. A hypothetic model for examining the relationship between happiness, forgiveness, emotional reactivity and emotional security. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-15. [PMID: 35370385 PMCID: PMC8960667 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02909-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The ultimate goal of life is happiness, according to Plato. Perhaps the most critical questions in the life of human beings have been on happiness and processes that affect happiness. The present study was planned during the COVID-19 pandemic; perhaps human beings are most needed for happiness. The original hypothetical model and the findings constitute the powerful and different aspects of the present study. This study determined a hypothetical model to examine the relationships among happiness, forgiveness, emotional reactivity, and emotional security. The participant group of the study consists of a total of 916 individuals from Turkey, 617 women, and 299 men. The age scale of the participants is between 18-25. Participants completed the Heartland Forgiveness Scale, the Emotional Security Scale, the Emotional Reactivity Scale, and the Oxford Happiness Scale. Mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes' (2017) process macro. According to the proposed model in the study, emotional reactivity mediates the relationship between forgiveness and happiness. As the individual's forgiveness increases, their emotional reactivity decreases, and as the emotional reactivity decreases, the individual's level of happiness increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ercengiz
- Faculty of Education, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, Agri, Turkey
| | - Serdar Safalı
- Faculty of Education, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, Agri, Turkey
| | - Alican Kaya
- Faculty of Education, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, Agri, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Feelings of fear, sadness, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from two studies in the UK. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:1012-1023. [PMID: 34706409 PMCID: PMC8407941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, exposure to COVID-related stimuli, has been enormous. Exposure to threat-related stimuli, can have a significant impact on people's wellbeing particularly in relation to COVID-related anxiety. The present research comprises two empirical studies. In Study 1, a newly developed Emotional Stroop Task (EST) and an Image Rating Task (IRT) were used to assess, automatic and non-automatic affective responses to COVID-related words and images during the first wave of the pandemic in the UK general population. In Study 2, the same tasks were used to evaluate the affective responses of University students during the second wave of the pandemic. Additionally, loneliness and pro-social behaviours were explored in relation COVID-related anxiety in the same population. Overall, the results showed that automatic affective responses as measured by interference effects on the EST, remained unaffected during the pandemic. However, non-automatic affective responses to COVID-related images measured by the IRT, indicated that participants rated these images as more fearful sadder and higher in anger, compared to non-COVID negative images matched for arousal and negativity and this was more evident in people with high COVID-anxiety. Trait anxiety was related to higher levels of loneliness, more prosocial behaviour and higher intentions to help others, while COVID-related anxiety mediated these effects, suggesting that for high levels of trait anxiety, participants were more likely to have helped someone in need during the pandemic when their COVID-anxiety levels were low.
Collapse
|
7
|
Executive functioning as a predictor of physiological and subjective acute stress responses in non-clinical adult populations: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1096-1115. [PMID: 34562543 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether executive functioning predicts subsequent acute stress responses. A systematic search (conducted between May 22nd and 30th, 2019; updated on April 4th, 2020) on Cochrane, OpenGray, Proquest Dissertations and Thesis Global, PsycInfo, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science revealed 27 correlational and five interventional studies. For quality appraisal, we used the BIOCROSS Tool, the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies, and the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-bias Tool for Randomized Trials. Attentional control was most consistently associated with acute stress. A robust variation estimation meta-analysis, conducted when sufficient data was available, revealed a small, significant, and negative correlation between higher working memory and subsequent lower cortisol reactivity (r = .09, p = .025, 95 % CI [0.15, 0.02]). These results highlight the role of executive functioning for acute stress responses, the scarcity of relevant data, and the need for both interventional designs and the consideration of mediators and moderators to understand underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
|
8
|
Suzuki Y, Tanaka SC. Functions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in emotion regulation under stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18225. [PMID: 34521947 PMCID: PMC8440524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97751-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) contributes to regulation of emotion. However, the adaptive response of the vmPFC under acute stress is not understood. We used fMRI to analyse brain activity of people viewing and rating the emotional strength of emotional images after acute social stress. Here, we show that the vmPFC is strongly activated by highly emotional images, indicating its involvement in emotional regulation, and that the midbrain is activated as a main effect of stress during the emotional response. vmPFC activation also exhibits individual differences in behavioural scores reflecting individual reactions to stress. Moreover, functional connectivity between the vmPFC and midbrain under stress reflects stress-induced emotion regulation. Those results suggest that the functions of the network including the vmPFC in emotion regulation is affected by stress depending on the individuals' level of reaction to the stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukihiro Suzuki
- Faculty of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan. .,Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institutes International, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Saori C Tanaka
- Faculty of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan. .,Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institutes International, Kyoto, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ji D, Flouri E, Papachristou E. Social cognition and cortisol in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Stress Health 2021; 37:415-430. [PMID: 34363741 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review examines the evidence on the association between social cognition and cortisol in the general population. Literature was searched in six databases. Of the 401 studies identified, meta-analyses were conducted on 46 effect sizes (Pearson's correlation coefficients) from 19 studies, supplemented by a narrative review. Pooled estimates suggest that better emotion control is associated with increased cortisol concentrations [r = 0.083, 95% CI (0.033, 0.132)]. Emotion recognition or empathy were not significantly associated with cortisol concentrations [r = 0.072, 95% CI (-0.020, 0.165) and r = 0.004, 95% CI (-0.061, 0.068) respectively]. Subgroup analyses showed that the association between emotion control and cortisol concentrations is significant in males, for morning cortisol, when the cortisol data are transformed to correct for skewed distributions, or when participants are instructed to avoid food and drink intake for at least one hour before sample collection. There was no evidence for an association between social cognition with diurnal cortisol slope or cortisol awakening response. More validation work with greater standardization of methodological procedures is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Ji
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Eirini Flouri
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ranfaing S, De Zorzi L, Honoré J, Critchley H, Sequeira H. Attention orientation to pleasantness and depressive symptomatology predict autonomic reactivity. Cogn Emot 2021; 35:1203-1213. [PMID: 34041998 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2021.1929852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Depression is characterised by attentional bias to emotional information and dysregulated autonomic reactivity. Despite its relevance to understanding depressive mechanisms, the association between attentional bias and autonomic reactivity to emotional information remains poorly characterised. This study compared behavioural and autonomic responses to emotional images in 32 participants in whom subclinical depressive symptomatology was quantified using the Beck Depression Inventory. Pairs of emotional and neutral images (unpleasant-neutral, U-N; pleasant-neutral, P-N; neutral-neutral, N-N) were presented while attentional indices (eye movements) and autonomic activity (skin conductance responses, SCRs; heart rate, HR) were recorded. Results showed that all recorded ocular parameters indicated a preferential orientation and maintenance of attention to emotional images. SCRs were associated with a valence effect on fixation latency: lower fixation latency to pleasant stimuli leads to lower SCRs whereas the opposite was observed for unpleasant stimuli. Finally, stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that latency of fixation to pleasant images and scores of depression predicted SCRs of participants. Thus, our research reveals an association between autonomic reactivity and attentional bias to pleasant information, on the one hand, and depressive symptomatology on the other. Present findings therefore suggest that depressive individuals may benefit from attention training towards pleasant information in association with autonomic biofeedback procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Ranfaing
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
| | - Lucas De Zorzi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
| | - Jacques Honoré
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
| | - Hugo Critchley
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.,Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.,Psychiatry, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Henrique Sequeira
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zareian B, Wilson J, LeMoult J. Cognitive Control and Ruminative Responses to Stress: Understanding the Different Facets of Cognitive Control. Front Psychol 2021; 12:660062. [PMID: 34025524 PMCID: PMC8138047 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rumination has been linked to the onset and course of depression. Theoretical models and empirical evidence suggest that deficits controlling negative material in working memory underlie rumination. However, we do not know which component of cognitive control (inhibition, shifting, or updating) contributes most to rumination, and whether different components predict the more maladaptive (brooding) versus the more adaptive (reflection) forms of rumination. We aimed to advance theory and research by examining the contribution of different facets of cognitive control to the level and trajectory of brooding and reflection. At baseline, participants completed three cognitive tasks that assessed their inhibition, shifting, and updating biases, respectively. Next, using experience sampling methodology, participants rated their level of rumination and negative affect nine times during the 48 h after their most stressful exam. At each time point, higher levels of brooding, but not reflection, predicted higher levels of negative affect at the next time point. Furthermore, several facets of shifting and inhibition, but not updating, predicted brooding immediately after the exam and its trajectory of change over 48 h. Additionally, difficulty inhibiting neutral words predicted both brooding and reflection. These findings inform theoretical models describing the role of cognitive control in brooding and reflection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bita Zareian
- Depression, Anxiety and Stress Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica Wilson
- Depression, Anxiety and Stress Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joelle LeMoult
- Depression, Anxiety and Stress Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Positive attentional biases moderate the link between attentional bias for threat and anxiety. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01448-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
13
|
Lapid Pickman L, Gelkopf M, Greene T. Emotional reactivity to war stressors: An experience sampling study in people with and without different psychiatric diagnoses. Stress Health 2021; 37:127-139. [PMID: 32794338 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge regarding real-time emotional reactivity to high-intensity stressors, particularly in people with mental illness, a potentially vulnerable population. The current study aimed to examine negative emotional reactions to recurring high-intensity stressors within a continuous war situation, in people with different psychiatric diagnosis types. Experience sampling method was used to examine emotional reactions among 143 civilians exposed to rockets during the 2014 Israel-Gaza war, of them 18.2% with psychosis, 14.7% with anxiety or depression and 67.1% without mental illness. Participants reported exposure to rocket warning sirens and the levels of 10 negative emotions twice a day for 30 days. Negative emotional levels were higher on most emotions following high-intensity stressors (sirens), that is, emotional reactivity was demonstrated in real-time during war. Overall, no difference in reactivity was found among the three study groups. Moreover, people with anxiety/depression were less reactive than people without mental illness on sadness and being overwhelmed. The findings indicate similar and sometimes lower emotional reactivity to high-intensity stressors in people with mental illness compared to the general population. Nevertheless, people with mental illness seem to have significant emotional needs during war, to be addressed in prevention and intervention efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liron Lapid Pickman
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,NATAL-Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marc Gelkopf
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,NATAL-Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Talya Greene
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Larradet F, Niewiadomski R, Barresi G, Caldwell DG, Mattos LS. Toward Emotion Recognition From Physiological Signals in the Wild: Approaching the Methodological Issues in Real-Life Data Collection. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1111. [PMID: 32760305 PMCID: PMC7374761 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotion, mood, and stress recognition (EMSR) has been studied in laboratory settings for decades. In particular, physiological signals are widely used to detect and classify affective states in lab conditions. However, physiological reactions to emotional stimuli have been found to differ in laboratory and natural settings. Thanks to recent technological progress (e.g., in wearables) the creation of EMSR systems for a large number of consumers during their everyday activities is increasingly possible. Therefore, datasets created in the wild are needed to insure the validity and the exploitability of EMSR models for real-life applications. In this paper, we initially present common techniques used in laboratory settings to induce emotions for the purpose of physiological dataset creation. Next, advantages and challenges of data collection in the wild are discussed. To assess the applicability of existing datasets to real-life applications, we propose a set of categories to guide and compare at a glance different methodologies used by researchers to collect such data. For this purpose, we also introduce a visual tool called Graphical Assessment of Real-life Application-Focused Emotional Dataset (GARAFED). In the last part of the paper, we apply the proposed tool to compare existing physiological datasets for EMSR in the wild and to show possible improvements and future directions of research. We wish for this paper and GARAFED to be used as guidelines for researchers and developers who aim at collecting affect-related data for real-life EMSR-based applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Larradet
- Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Radoslaw Niewiadomski
- Contact Unit, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Giacinto Barresi
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xin Y, Yao Z, Wang W, Luo Y, Aleman A, Wu J. Recent life stress predicts blunted acute stress response and the role of executive control. Stress 2020; 23:359-367. [PMID: 31672083 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1687684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the associations between recent life stress and responses to acute psychological stress, and how these associations varied with executive control. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), salivary cortisol, and affective states were measured before, during and after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), an effective laboratory stressor, in 54 healthy participants, and executive control function was tested with a Go/No-Go task in a neutral context on a different day. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that high frequency of life stress during the last twelve months predicted blunted cardiovascular acute stress response, i.e., smaller HR and HRV reactivity. Moreover, the low executive control group showed a significant association between higher recent life stress and blunted acute stress response, which was not apparent in the high executive control group. The results suggested that greater executive control may benefit us with adaptive acute stress response under recent life stress.HighlightsThe Trier Social Stress Test induces cardiovascular and cortisol responses.Higher life event frequency (LEF) predicts smaller cardiovascular stress response.Executive control plays a role in the link of LEF to stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Xin
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Zhuxi Yao
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuejia Luo
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - André Aleman
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wong SF, Trespalacios F, Ellenbogen MA. Poor inhibition of personally-relevant facial expressions of sadness and anger predicts an elevated cortisol response following awakening six months later. Int J Psychophysiol 2020; 150:73-82. [PMID: 32057777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Failure to inhibit interference from distracting emotional stimuli may obstruct an individual's ability to regulate their behavioural and emotional responses to environmental stressors. Few studies have examined the longitudinal association between cognitive inhibition and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) in the natural environment. Seventy-nine healthy adults underwent two assessments 6 months apart. Participants' ability to suppress interference from distracting emotional stimuli was assessed using a negative affective priming task that included both generic and personally-relevant (i.e., participants' intimate partners) facial expressions of emotion. Poorer inhibition of personally-relevant sad and angry faces, but not generic stimuli, significantly predicted an increased cortisol awakening response (CAR) six months later. Moreover, poor inhibition of personally-relevant sad faces mediated the relation between chronic stress and an elevated CAR. Difficulties inhibiting personally-relevant emotional information may represent a key mechanism in understanding how environmental stress influences HPA functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiu F Wong
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | | | - Mark A Ellenbogen
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Armario A, Labad J, Nadal R. Focusing attention on biological markers of acute stressor intensity: Empirical evidence and limitations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 111:95-103. [PMID: 31954151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
ARMARIO, A, J. Labad and R. Nadal. Focusing attention on biological markers of acute stressor intensity: empirical evidence and limitations. NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS. The availability of biological markers that objectively quantify stress is a highly relevant issue. However, experimental evidence suggests that most physiological changes elicited by emotional stressors do not reflect their intensity and are not useful for this purpose. Thus, we review experimental evidence in animals and humans about the putative validity of neuroendocrine and sympathetic/parasympathetic variables to measure stress. Plasma levels of some hormones (e.g. ACTH, glucocorticoids, prolactin and catecholamines) have been found to reflect, at least under certain conditions, the intensity of emotional stressors in animals and probably in humans. However, the temporal resolution of hormone changes is insufficient to reflect the very dynamic psychological processes taking place while experiencing stressors. Cardiovascular parameters (e.g. heart rate and blood pressure) have much better temporal resolution but their validity as markers of stressor intensity either in animals or humans is problematic. Skin conductance and pupil dilation appear to be promising. Additional and more systematic studies are needed to demonstrate the actual validity of stress-induced physiological changes to quantify stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Armario
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; Animal Physiology Unit (Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology), Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain.
| | - Javier Labad
- CIBERSAM, Spain; Department of Mental Health, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, I3PT, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Nadal
- Institut de Neurociències, Spain; CIBERSAM, Spain; Psicobiology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Objective: There is literature to suggest that anxious individuals may be lonely. Attentional bias for threat (ABT), a mechanism implicated in the core symptoms of anxiety, has been linked to loneliness in a separate line of work. The primary aim of this study was to examine the role of loneliness in the association between ABT and anxiety. Method: An unselected sample of 260 individuals (196 Female; Mean Age = 22.43) completed measures of loneliness, ABT (a dot probe task), and anxiety. Two possible models of the role of loneliness in the ABT-anxiety link were tested using hierarchical regression analysis: (1) A moderation model (the ABT-anxiety link is moderated by loneliness), and (2) A proxy model (the ABT-anxiety link is better explained by loneliness). Results: In support of the latter model, ABT no longer predicted anxiety after the effects of loneliness had been accounted for. Additionally, ABT was associated with anxiety only when indexed using sadness-related scenes (but not fear-related scenes). Conclusions: Loneliness may be one important source of exaggerated threat appraisals which underpin the association between ABT and anxiety. Different classes of negative stimuli may be differentially sensitive to anxiety and should be a point of consideration in future research.
Collapse
|
19
|
Lin L, Wu J, Yuan Y, Sun X, Zhang L. Working Memory Predicts Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Response to Psychosocial Stress in Males. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:142. [PMID: 32256397 PMCID: PMC7093015 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) function is crucial for adaptation to stress and recovery of homeostasis. Physiological alteration in the HPA axis has been shown to play a pivotal role in the generation of stress-related disorders. A growing number of studies have begun to identify which variables are possible to predict individual HPA response and associated stress vulnerability. The current study investigated the relationship between working memory and the subsequent magnitude of HPA response to psychosocial stress in a non-clinical population. Working memory was assessed utilizing an n-back task (2/3-back) in thirty-nine healthy young men, whose electroencephalograms were recorded. The HPA response was measured using the percentage increase in cortisol to an acute psychosocial stress protocol called the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Our results show that longer reaction time and smaller amplitude of P2 predict a relatively lower HPA response to stress. Our study provides new insights into how neurocognitive factors can be used to predict HPA response to acute stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Center for Brain Disorder and Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiran Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Trotman GP, Veldhuijzen van Zanten JJCS, Davies J, Möller C, Ginty AT, Williams SE. Associations between heart rate, perceived heart rate, and anxiety during acute psychological stress. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2019; 32:711-727. [PMID: 31382769 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2019.1648794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acute psychological stress elicits increases in heart rate (HR) and anxiety. Theories propose associations between HR, perceived HR, and anxiety during stress. However, anxiety is often measured as a unidimensional construct which limits a comprehensive understanding of these relationships. Objectives: This research explored whether HR reactivity or perceived HR change was more closely associated with cognitive and somatic anxiety during acute psychological stress. Design: Two laboratory-based studies were conducted. Methods: In a single laboratory session, healthy male (N = 71; study 1) and female (N = 70; study 2) university students completed three laboratory psychological stress tasks (counterbalanced), each with a preceding baseline. Heart rate, perceived HR change, and cognitive and somatic anxiety intensity and interpretation of anxiety symptoms were assessed immediately following each task. Data were aggregated across tasks. Results: Actual HR change was unrelated to anxiety intensity, but was associated with more debilitative interpretations of anxiety (study 2). Perceptions of HR change were consistently associated with greater intensity of cognitive (study 1) and somatic (study 1 and 2) anxiety. Conclusions: Perceived HR rather than actual HR is more closely associated with anxiety intensity during psychological stress. The findings have implications for stress management and the clinical treatment of anxiety symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin P Trotman
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | | | - Jack Davies
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Clara Möller
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| | - Annie T Ginty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University , Waco , TX , USA
| | - Sarah E Williams
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sandre A, Bagot RC, Weinberg A. Blunted neural response to appetitive images prospectively predicts symptoms of depression, and not anxiety, during the transition to university. Biol Psychol 2019; 145:31-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
22
|
Wirz L, Reuter M, Felten A, Schwabe L. An endocannabinoid receptor polymorphism modulates affective processing under stress. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2019; 13:1177-1189. [PMID: 30239920 PMCID: PMC6234318 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsy083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress has a critical impact on affective and cognitive processing. Based on rodent data suggesting that endocannabinoid signaling via CB1 receptors serves as an emotional buffer, we hypothesized that a common variant of the gene coding for the CB1 receptor modulates affective processing under stress (CNR1; rs1049353 A vs G allele). Therefore, 139 participants, genotyped for this polymorphism, underwent a stress or control manipulation before they viewed emotionally neutral and negative pictures in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex, known for its crucial role in emotion regulation, was significantly more activated in AA/AG vs GG genotype carriers when viewing negative pictures after stress. Under no-stress conditions, AA/AG genotype carriers showed enhanced crosstalk between the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. We further assessed participants' 24 h-delayed memory for the presented pictures and found that memory performance correlated with amygdala and hippocampus activity and connectivity in stressed carriers of the AA/AG but not the GG genotype. These findings underline the modulatory role of the endocannabinoid system in stress effects on emotion and cognition and provide insights into the neural mechanisms that may contribute to the suggested protective effect of the AA/AG genotype of the CB1 receptor polymorphism against stress-related psychopathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wirz
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg Germany
| | - Martin Reuter
- Department of Differential and Biological Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Felten
- Department of Differential and Biological Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars Schwabe
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Harrison NR, Chassy P. Habitual Use of Cognitive Reappraisal Is Associated With Decreased Amplitude of the Late Positive Potential (LPP) Elicited by Threatening Pictures. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. In contrast to our knowledge about instructed emotion regulation, rather little is known about the effects of habitual (or “spontaneous”) emotion regulation on neural processing. We analyzed the relationship between everyday use of cognitive reappraisal (measured by the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, ERQ-R), and the amplitude of the late positive potential (LPP), which is sensitive to down-regulation of negative emotions via reappraisal. Participants viewed a series of neutral and threatening images, and rated them for level of threat. We found increased LPP amplitude for threatening compared to neutral pictures between 500 and 1,500 ms. Crucially, we found smaller LPP amplitudes to threatening versus neutral pictures for participants who used reappraisal more often in everyday life. This relationship between LPP amplitude and the ERQ-R was observed in the 1,000–1,500 ms interval of the LPP, over right centro-parietal electrodes. The current findings indicate that habitual tendency to use reappraisal is associated with reduced amplitude of the LPP in response to threatening pictures, in the absence of any explicit instruction to regulate emotions.
Collapse
|
24
|
Dondzilo L, Rieger E, Palermo R, Bell J. The causal role of selective attention for thin-ideal images on negative affect and rumination. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2018; 61:128-133. [PMID: 30077036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Attentional bias towards thin-ideal body images has been implicated as a vulnerability factor for eating disorder symptomatology. However, the nature and causal basis of its relationship with other cognitive vulnerability factors, namely, eating disorder-specific rumination and negative mood, remains unclear. Accordingly, the current study investigated the causal influence of attentional bias towards thin-ideal images on emotional and ruminative vulnerability, in response to a body image-related stressor. METHODS An established attentional bias modification (ABM) procedure, the modified dot probe task, was used for the assessment and manipulation of attentional bias. Female undergraduate students (N = 110) aged between 17 and 24 years were randomly assigned to either 'attend' towards or 'avoid' thin-ideal images. Pre- and post-attentional training, participants completed the dot probe task, as well as state measures of rumination and negative mood. Additionally, following post-ABM assessment of attentional bias, participants were given a body image-related stressor. RESULTS Results showed that participants trained to attend to thin bodies reported heightened negative mood, in response to the stressor, compared with participants trained to avoid thin bodies. On the other hand, groups did not demonstrate a differential increase in eating disorder-specific rumination in response to the stressor. LIMITATIONS The current findings will require replication with clinical samples. Additionally, state rumination and negative mood were assessed via single items. CONCLUSIONS These results provide the first causal evidence for the role of attentional bias towards thin-ideal images in negative emotional vulnerability. Importantly, these results suggest attentional bias may serve as a risk factor for mood reactivity and a potential target for strategies designed to enhance emotional resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dondzilo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Rieger
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Romina Palermo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jason Bell
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mok RM, Hajonides van der Meulen JE, Holmes EA, Nobre AC. Changing interpretations of emotional expressions in working memory with aging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 19:1060-1069. [PMID: 30321038 PMCID: PMC6764502 DOI: 10.1037/emo0000481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) shows significant decline with age. It is interesting to note that some research has suggested age-related impairments can be reduced in tasks that involve emotion-laden stimuli. However, only a few studies have explored how WM for emotional material changes in aging. Here we developed a novel experimental task to compare and contrast how emotional material is represented in older versus younger adults. The task enabled us to separate overall WM accuracy from emotional biases in the content of affective representations in WM. We found that, in addition to overall decline in WM performance, older adults showed a systematic positivity bias in representing information in WM relative to younger adults (positivity effect). They remembered fearful faces as being less fearful than younger adults and interpreted ambiguous facial expressions more positively. The findings show that aging brings a type of positivity bias when picking up affective information for guiding future behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Mok
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | | | - Emily A Holmes
- Department for Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Anna Christina Nobre
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Luo Y, Fernández G, Hermans E, Vogel S, Zhang Y, Li H, Klumpers F. How acute stress may enhance subsequent memory for threat stimuli outside the focus of attention: DLPFC-amygdala decoupling. Neuroimage 2018; 171:311-322. [PMID: 29329979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-related disorders, e.g., anxiety and depression, are characterized by decreased top-down control for distracting information, as well as a memory bias for threatening information. However, it is unclear how acute stress biases mnemonic encoding and leads to prioritized storage of threat-related information even if outside the focus of attention. In the current study, healthy adults (N = 53, all male) were randomly assigned to stress induction using the socially evaluated cold-pressor test (SECPT) or a control condition. Participants performed a task in which they were required to identify a target letter within a string of letters that were either identical to the target and thereby facilitating detection (low distractor load) or mixed with other letters to complicate the search (high load). Either a fearful or neutral face was presented on the background, outside the focus of attention. Twenty-four hours later, participants were asked to perform a surprise recognition memory test for those background faces. Stress induction resulted in increased cortisol and negative subjective mood ratings. Stress did not affect visual search performance, however, participants in the stress group showed stronger memory compared to the control group for fearful faces in the low attentional load condition. Critically, the stress induced memory bias was accompanied by decoupling between amygdala and DLFPC during encoding, which may represent a mechanism for decreased ability to filter task-irrelevant threatening background information. The current study provides a potential neural account for how stress can produce a negative memory bias for threatening information even if presented outside the focus of attention. Despite of an adaptive advantage for survival, such tendencies may ultimately also lead to generalized fear, a possibility requiring additional investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Luo
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guizhou, PR China; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erno Hermans
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne Vogel
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Psychology, School of Educational Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guizhou, PR China.
| | - Hong Li
- College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, PR China.
| | - Floris Klumpers
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wu J, Sun X, Wang L, Zhang L, Fernández G, Yao Z. Error consciousness predicts physiological response to an acute psychosocial stressor in men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 83:84-90. [PMID: 28601751 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
There are substantial individual differences in the response towards acute stressor. The aim of the current study was to examine how the neural activity after an error response during a non-stressful state, prospectively predicts the magnitude of physiological stress response (e.g., cortisol response and heart rate) and negative affect elicited by a laboratory stress induction procedure in nonclinical participants. Thirty-seven healthy young male adults came to the laboratory for the baseline neurocognitive measurement on the first day during which they performed a Go/Nogo task with their electroencephalogram recorded. On the second day, they came again to be tested on their stress response using an acute psychosocial stress procedure (i.e., the Trier Social Stress Test, the TSST). Results showed that the amplitude of error positivity (Pe) significantly predicted both the heart rate and cortisol response towards the TSST. Our results suggested that baseline cognitive neural activity reflecting error consciousness could be used as a biological predictor of physiological response to an acute psychological stressor in men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Department for Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Zhuxi Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Department for Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cumulative Impact of Stressful Life Events on the Development of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. Ann Behav Med 2017; 51:925-930. [DOI: 10.1007/s12160-017-9908-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
|
29
|
Vanderhasselt MA, Brose A, Koster EH, De Raedt R. Co-variation between stressful events and rumination predicts depressive symptoms: An eighteen months prospective design in undergraduates. Behav Res Ther 2016; 87:128-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
30
|
Fox E, Beevers CG. Differential sensitivity to the environment: contribution of cognitive biases and genes to psychological wellbeing. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1657-1662. [PMID: 27431291 PMCID: PMC5075581 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Negative cognitive biases and genetic variation have been associated with risk of psychopathology in largely independent lines of research. Here, we discuss ways in which these dynamic fields of research might be fruitfully combined. We propose that gene by environment (G × E) interactions may be mediated by selective cognitive biases and that certain forms of genetic 'reactivity' or 'sensitivity' may represent heightened sensitivity to the learning environment in a 'for better and for worse' manner. To progress knowledge in this field, we recommend including assessments of cognitive processing biases; examining G × E interactions in 'both' negative and positive environments; experimentally manipulating the environment when possible; and moving beyond single-gene effects to assess polygenic sensitivity scores. We formulate a new methodological framework encapsulating cognitive and genetic factors in the development of both psychopathology and optimal wellbeing that holds long-term promise for the development of new personalized therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Fox
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, 9 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK. E-mail:
| | - C G Beevers
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Morales S, Fu X, Pérez-Edgar KE. A developmental neuroscience perspective on affect-biased attention. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2016; 21:26-41. [PMID: 27606972 PMCID: PMC5067218 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest regarding the impact of affect-biased attention on psychopathology. However, most of the research to date lacks a developmental approach. In the present review, we examine the role affect-biased attention plays in shaping socioemotional trajectories within a developmental neuroscience framework. We propose that affect-biased attention, particularly if stable and entrenched, acts as a developmental tether that helps sustain early socioemotional and behavioral profiles over time, placing some individuals on maladaptive developmental trajectories. Although most of the evidence is found in the anxiety literature, we suggest that these relations may operate across multiple domains of interest, including positive affect, externalizing behaviors, drug use, and eating behaviors. We also review the general mechanisms and neural correlates of affect-biased attention, as well as the current evidence for the co-development of attention and affect. Based on the reviewed literature, we propose a model that may help us better understand the nuances of affect-biased attention across development. The model may serve as a strong foundation for ongoing attempts to identify neurocognitive mechanisms and intervene with individuals at risk. Finally, we discuss open issues for future research that may help bridge existing gaps in the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Morales
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Psychology, 140 Moore Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
| | - Xiaoxue Fu
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Psychology, 140 Moore Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Koraly E Pérez-Edgar
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Psychology, 140 Moore Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Çek D, Sánchez A, Timpano KR. Social Anxiety-Linked Attention Bias to Threat Is Indirectly Related to Post-Event Processing Via Subjective Emotional Reactivity to Social Stress. Behav Ther 2016; 47:377-87. [PMID: 27157031 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Attention bias to threat (e.g., disgust faces) is a cognitive vulnerability factor for social anxiety occurring in early stages of information processing. Few studies have investigated the relationship between social anxiety and attention biases, in conjunction with emotional and cognitive responses to a social stressor. Elucidating these links would shed light on maintenance factors of social anxiety and could help identify malleable treatment targets. This study examined the associations between social anxiety level, attention bias to disgust (AB-disgust), subjective emotional and physiological reactivity to a social stressor, and subsequent post-event processing (PEP). We tested a mediational model where social anxiety level indirectly predicted subsequent PEP via its association with AB-disgust and immediate subjective emotional reactivity to social stress. Fifty-five undergraduates (45% female) completed a passive viewing task. Eye movements were tracked during the presentation of social stimuli (e.g., disgust faces) and used to calculate AB-disgust. Next, participants gave an impromptu speech in front of a video camera and watched a neutral video, followed by the completion of a PEP measure. Although there was no association between AB-disgust and physiological reactivity to the stressor, AB-disgust was significantly associated with greater subjective emotional reactivity from baseline to the speech. Analyses supported a partial mediation model where AB-disgust and subjective emotional reactivity to a social stressor partially accounted for the link between social anxiety levels and PEP.
Collapse
|
33
|
Thoern HA, Grueschow M, Ehlert U, Ruff CC, Kleim B. Attentional Bias towards Positive Emotion Predicts Stress Resilience. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148368. [PMID: 27008475 PMCID: PMC4805263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is extensive evidence for an association between an attentional bias towards emotionally negative stimuli and vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology. Less is known about whether selective attention towards emotionally positive stimuli relates to mental health and stress resilience. The current study used a modified Dot Probe task to investigate if individual differences in attentional biases towards either happy or angry emotional stimuli, or an interaction between these biases, are related to self-reported trait stress resilience. In a nonclinical sample (N = 43), we indexed attentional biases as individual differences in reaction time for stimuli preceded by either happy or angry (compared to neutral) face stimuli. Participants with greater attentional bias towards happy faces (but not angry faces) reported higher trait resilience. However, an attentional bias towards angry stimuli moderated this effect: The attentional bias towards happy faces was only predictive for resilience in those individuals who also endorsed an attentional bias towards angry stimuli. An attentional bias towards positive emotional stimuli may thus be a protective factor contributing to stress resilience, specifically in those individuals who also endorse an attentional bias towards negative emotional stimuli. Our findings therefore suggest a novel target for prevention and treatment interventions addressing stress-related psychopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna A. Thoern
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Grueschow
- Laboratory for Social and Neural Systems Research, Department of Economics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian C. Ruff
- Laboratory for Social and Neural Systems Research, Department of Economics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Coussement C, Heeren A. Vers une architecture cognitive du maintien du biais attentionnel envers la menace dans l’anxiété : une approche par comparaison de modèles. ANNEE PSYCHOLOGIQUE 2015. [DOI: 10.3917/anpsy.154.0665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
|
35
|
Bethell EJ. A “How-To” Guide for Designing Judgment Bias Studies to Assess Captive Animal Welfare. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2015; 18 Suppl 1:S18-42. [DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1075833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
36
|
Vers une architecture cognitive du maintien du biais attentionnel envers la menace dans l’anxiété : une approche par comparaison de modèles. ANNEE PSYCHOLOGIQUE 2015. [DOI: 10.4074/s0003503315000202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
37
|
Barry TJ, Vervliet B, Hermans D. An integrative review of attention biases and their contribution to treatment for anxiety disorders. Front Psychol 2015. [PMID: 26217284 PMCID: PMC4495309 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Models of exposure therapy, one of the key components of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders, suggest that attention may play an important role in the extinction of fear and anxiety. Evidence from cognitive research suggests that individual differences may play a causal role in the onset and maintenance of anxiety disorders and so it is also likely to influence treatment. We review the evidence concerning attention and treatment outcomes in anxiety disorders. The evidence reviewed here suggests that that attention biases assessed at pre-treatment might actually predict improved response to treatment, and in particular that prolonged engagement with threat as measured in tasks such as the dot probe is associated with greater reductions in anxious symptoms following treatment. We examine this research within a fear learning framework, considering the possible role of individual differences in attention in the extinction of fear during exposure. Theoretical, experimental and clinical implications are discussed, particularly with reference to the potential for attention bias modification programs in augmenting treatment, and also with reference to how existing research in this area might inform best practice for clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom J Barry
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Vervliet
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Hermans
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Fox E, Dutton K, Yates A, Georgiou GA, Mouchlianitis E. Attentional Control and Suppressing Negative Thought Intrusions in Pathological Worry. Clin Psychol Sci 2015; 3:593-606. [PMID: 26504672 PMCID: PMC4618297 DOI: 10.1177/2167702615575878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive behavior relies on the ability to effectively and efficiently ignore irrelevant information, an important component of attentional control. The current research found that fundamental difficulties in ignoring irrelevant material are related to dispositional differences in trait propensity to worry, suggesting a core deficit in attentional control in high worriers. The degree of deficit in attentional control correlated with the degree of difficulty in suppressing negative thought intrusions in a worry assessment task. A cognitive training procedure utilizing a flanker task was used in an attempt to improve attentional control. Although the cognitive training was largely ineffective, improvements in attentional control were associated with improvements in the ability to suppress worry-related thought intrusions. Across two studies, the findings indicate that the inability to control worry-related negative thought intrusions is associated with a general deficiency in attentional control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Fox
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | - Kevin Dutton
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
| | - Alan Yates
- Department of Psychology, University Campus Oldham
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pearson R, McGeary J, Maddox WT, Beevers CG. Serotonin promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) predicts biased attention for emotion stimuli: Preliminary evidence of moderation by the social environment. Clin Psychol Sci 2015; 4:122-128. [PMID: 26779397 DOI: 10.1177/2167702614562470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have found an association between attentional bias for negative stimuli and variation in the serotonin transporter promoter region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR). The current project examined whether a positive social environment mitigates this association. More specifically, we examined the relationship between attentional bias on the dot-probe task, variation in the 5-HTTLPR and current social support among a community sample of adults (N=216). Consistent with prior research, the S/LG homozygotes were more likely than the other genotype groups to have a negative attention bias. However, social support moderated the association between 5-HTTLPR variation and attentional bias. The S/LG homozygote group was particularly likely to exhibit greater attentional bias towards negative stimuli at low levels of social support. However, as social support improved, negative attention bias decreased. Findings suggest that supportive environments may attenuate genetic associations with negative attention bias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Pearson
- University of Texas at Austin; Institute for Mental Health Research
| | - John McGeary
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Rhode Island Hospital, & Brown University
| | - W Todd Maddox
- University of Texas at Austin; Institute for Mental Health Research
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Phillips K, Wright BJ, Kent S. Irritable bowel syndrome and symptom severity: evidence of negative attention bias, diminished vigour, and autonomic dysregulation. J Psychosom Res 2014; 77:13-9. [PMID: 24913336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if cognitive processing, and subjective and physiological responses to stress and relaxation differed between an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) group and control group. How these variables relate to the severity of IBS symptoms was also determined. METHODS Twenty-one IBS participants and 20 controls provided cognitive (attention and processing), subjective (perceived stress and vigour), and physiological (heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductance) data during a relaxation and stress phase. Logistic regression analyses determined which variables are related to the IBS group and hierarchical linear regression assessed how the variables are related to the severity of IBS symptoms. RESULTS Subjective and cognitive factors (drowsiness at baseline, total vigour, and reduced Stroop colour-naming accuracy for negative words) are significantly related to IBS, χ2 (3, N=41)=23.67, p<.001, accurately categorising 85% of participants. IBS symptom severity was associated with both subjective (drowsiness at baseline and a smaller reduction in tiredness from relaxation to stress) and physiological (smaller increase in systolic blood pressure from baseline to stress phase and lower skin conductance at baseline) variables. This model predicted IBS severity, F (4, 16)=11.20, p<.001, and accounted for 74% of the variability in scores. CONCLUSIONS A negative attention bias, which may be related to a negative self-schema, as well as perceived low vigour were important in categorising IBS. Low subjective vigour and reduced physiological reactivity to both relaxation and stress conditions were associated with IBS severity, suggestive of illness-related allostatic load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Phillips
- School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bradley J Wright
- School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Kent
- School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Osinsky R, Wilisz D, Kim Y, Karl C, Hewig J. Does a single session of Attentional Bias Modification influence early neural mechanisms of spatial attention? An ERP study. Psychophysiology 2014; 51:982-9. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Osinsky
- Department of Psychology 1; Julius-Maximilians-University; Würzburg Germany
| | - Dominika Wilisz
- Department of Psychology 1; Julius-Maximilians-University; Würzburg Germany
| | - Yewon Kim
- Department of Psychology 1; Julius-Maximilians-University; Würzburg Germany
| | - Christian Karl
- Department of Psychology 1; Julius-Maximilians-University; Würzburg Germany
| | - Johannes Hewig
- Department of Psychology 1; Julius-Maximilians-University; Würzburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pilgrim K, Ellenbogen MA, Paquin K. The impact of attentional training on the salivary cortisol and alpha amylase response to psychosocial stress: importance of attentional control. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 44:88-99. [PMID: 24767623 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Revised: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examined the effects of three consecutive days of attentional training on the salivary alpha amylase (sAA), cortisol, and mood response to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The training was designed to elicit faster disengagement of attention away from threatening facial expressions and faster shifts of attention toward positive ones. METHOD Fifty-six healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 30 participated in a double-blind, within-subject experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three attentional training conditions - supraliminal training: pictures shown with full conscious awareness, masked training: stimuli presented with limited conscious awareness, or control training: both supraliminal and masked pictures shown but no shifting of attention required. Following training, participants underwent the TSST. Self-reported mood and saliva samples were collected for the determination of emotional reactivity, cortisol, and sAA in response to stress post-training. RESULTS Unexpectedly, participants in both attentional training groups exhibited a higher salivary cortisol response to the TSST relative to participants who underwent the control training, F (4, 86)=4.07, p=.005, ηp(2)=.16. Supraliminal training was also associated with enhanced sAA reactivity, F (2, 44)=13.90, p=.000, ηp(2)=.38, and a more hostile mood response (p=.021), to the TSST. Interestingly, the effect of attention training on the cortisol response to stress was more robust in those with high attentional control than those with low attentional control (β=-0.134; t=-2.24, p=.03). CONCLUSION This is among the first experimental manipulations to demonstrate that attentional training can elicit a paradoxical increase in three different markers of stress reactivity. These findings suggest that attentional training, in certain individuals, can have iatrogenic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamala Pilgrim
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark A Ellenbogen
- Centre for Research in Human Development, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Karine Paquin
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Vanderhasselt MA, Koster EHW, Onraedt T, Bruyneel L, Goubert L, De Raedt R. Adaptive cognitive emotion regulation moderates the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptoms during a stressful life period: a prospective study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2014; 45:291-6. [PMID: 24553342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dysfunctional cognitions are known to emerge in stressful situations and are critical for the onset of depressive symptoms. The goal of this study is to investigate whether adaptive and/or maladaptive emotion regulation strategies moderate the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptoms under stress. METHODS In a longitudinal study, 92 healthy but unselected undergraduates were followed for three months including a stress period (four weeks of examinations). RESULTS Our findings demonstrate that the more adaptive emotion regulation strategies are used in daily life (measured at baseline), the weaker the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptoms during stress. Interestingly, no single strategy demonstrates a unique predictive value, but only the combination of several adaptive strategies moderates the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptoms. Although participants with elevated depressive symptoms use more maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, these latter strategies do not moderate the association between dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS The use of a sample of undergraduates limits the generalizability and the clinical significance of our results. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, although dysfunctional attitudes are activated and accessible in response to certain life stressors, the strategies that healthy individuals use to adaptively regulate these cognitions seem important in determining the likelihood of depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernst H W Koster
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Thomas Onraedt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Lynn Bruyneel
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Goubert
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Rudi De Raedt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Han HY, Gan T, Li P, Li ZJ, Guo M, Yao SM. Attentional bias modulation by reappraisal in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: an event-related potential study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 47:576-83. [PMID: 24863650 PMCID: PMC4123837 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20143622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Affective states influence subsequent attention allocation. We evaluated emotional
negativity bias modulation by reappraisal in patients with generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD) relative to normal controls. Event-related potential (ERP) recordings
were obtained, and changes in P200 and P300 amplitudes in response to negative or
neutral words were noted after decreasing negative emotion or establishing a neutral
condition. We found that in GAD patients only, the mean P200 amplitude after negative
word presentation was much higher than after the presentation of neutral words. In
normal controls, after downregulation of negative emotion, the mean P300 amplitude in
response to negative words was much lower than after neutral words, and this was
significant in both the left and right regions. In GAD patients, the negative bias
remained prominent and was not affected by reappraisal at the early stage.
Reappraisal was observed to have a lateralized effect at the late stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Y Han
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - T Gan
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - P Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Qiqihaer Medical University, Qiqihaer, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Z J Li
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - M Guo
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - S M Yao
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Polymorphism in serotonin receptor 3B is associated with pain catastrophizing. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78889. [PMID: 24244382 PMCID: PMC3823944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain catastrophizing, a coping style characterized by excessively negative thoughts and emotions in relation to pain, is one of the psychological factors that most markedly predicts variability in the perception of pain; however, only little is known about the underlying neurobiology. The aim of this study was to test for associations between psychological variables, such as pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression, and selected polymorphisms in genes related to monoaminergic neurotransmission, in particular serotonin pathway genes. Three hundred seventy-nine healthy participants completed a set of psychological questionnaires: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck’s Depression Inventory, and were genotyped for 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine genes. The SNP rs1176744 located in the serotonin receptor 3B gene (5-HTR3B) was found to be associated with pain catastrophizing scores: both the global score and the subscales of magnification and helplessness. This is the first study to show an association between 5-HTR3B and PCS scores, thus suggesting a role of the serotonin pathway in pain catastrophizing. Since 5-HTR3B has previously been associated with descending pain modulation pathways, future studies will be of great interest to elucidate the molecular pathways involved in the relation between serotonin, its receptors and pain catastrophizing.
Collapse
|
46
|
Hakamata Y, Izawa S, Sato E, Komi S, Murayama N, Moriguchi Y, Hanakawa T, Inoue Y, Tagaya H. Higher cortisol levels at diurnal trough predict greater attentional bias towards threat in healthy young adults. J Affect Disord 2013; 151:775-779. [PMID: 23870426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attentional bias (AB), selective information processing towards threat, can exacerbate anxiety and depression. Despite growing interest, physiological determinants of AB are yet to be understood. We examined whether stress hormone cortisol and its diurnal variation pattern contribute to AB. METHODS Eighty-seven healthy young adults underwent assessments for AB, anxious personality traits, depressive symptoms, and attentional function. Salivary cortisol was collected at three time points daily (at awakening, 30 min after awakening, and bedtime) for 2 consecutive days. We performed: (1) multiple regression analysis to examine the relationships between AB and the other measures and (2) analysis of variance (ANOVA) between groups with different cortisol variation patterns for the other measures. RESULTS Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher cortisol levels at bedtime (p<0.001), an anxious personality trait (p=0.011), and years of education (p=0.036) were included in the optimal model to predict AB (adjusted R(2)=0.234, p<0.001). ANOVA further demonstrated significant mean differences in AB and depressive symptoms; individuals with blunted cortisol variation exhibited significantly greater AB and depression than those with moderate variation (p=0.037 and p=0.009, respectively). LIMITATIONS Neuropsychological assessment focused on attention and cortisol measurement at three time points daily. CONCLUSIONS We showed that higher cortisol levels at bedtime and blunted cortisol variation are associated with greater AB. Individuals who have higher cortisol levels at diurnal trough might be at risk of clinical anxiety or depression but could also derive more benefits from the attentional-bias-modification program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hakamata
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, 252-0373 Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Health Sciences, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Japan.
| | - Shuhei Izawa
- Department of Health Administration and Psychosocial Factor Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Eisuke Sato
- Clinical Engineering, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Shotaro Komi
- Clinical Engineering, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Norio Murayama
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, 252-0373 Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Health Sciences, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Moriguchi
- Integrative Brain Imaging Radiological Technology Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan
| | - Takashi Hanakawa
- Integrative Brain Imaging Radiological Technology Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan
| | - Yusuke Inoue
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hirokuni Tagaya
- Department of Health Sciences, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Thomas SJ, Gonsalvez CJ, Johnstone SJ. Neural time course of threat-related attentional bias and interference in panic and obsessive–compulsive disorders. Biol Psychol 2013; 94:116-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
48
|
Maoz K, Abend R, Fox NA, Pine DS, Bar-Haim Y. Subliminal attention bias modification training in socially anxious individuals. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:389. [PMID: 23888138 PMCID: PMC3719032 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxious individuals demonstrate threat-related attention biases both when threat stimuli are presented within conscious awareness and when presented below awareness threshold. Nevertheless, attention bias modification (ABM) research has rarely utilized sub-awareness protocols in an attempt to modify attention patterns and reduce anxiety. Exploring the potential of subliminal ABM is of interest, as it may target attention processes related to anxiety that are distinct from those engaged by supraliminal ABM. Here we examined the effect of a subliminal ABM training protocol on levels of social anxiety and stress vulnerability. Fifty-one socially anxious students were randomly assigned to either ABM or placebo condition, and completed a pre-training assessment, four training sessions, a social stressor task, and a post-training assessment. Results indicate that the subliminal ABM used here did not induce detectable changes in threat-related attention from pre- to post-training as measured by two independent attention tasks. Furthermore, the ABM and placebo groups did not differ on either self-reported social anxiety post-training or state anxiety following stress induction. Post-hoc auxiliary analyses suggest that ABM may be associated with smaller elevations in state anxiety during the stressor task only for participants who demonstrate attention bias toward threat at baseline. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keren Maoz
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Carlson JM, Cha J, Mujica-Parodi LR. Functional and structural amygdala - anterior cingulate connectivity correlates with attentional bias to masked fearful faces. Cortex 2013; 49:2595-600. [PMID: 23954317 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An attentional bias to threat has been causally related to anxiety. Recent research has linked nonconscious attentional bias to threat with variability in the integrity of the amygdala - anterior cingulate pathway, which sheds light on the neuroanatomical basis for a behavioral precursor to anxiety. However, the extent to which structural variability in amygdala - anterior cingulate integrity relates to the functional connectivity within this pathway and how such functional connectivity may relate to attention bias behavior, remain critical missing pieces of the puzzle. In 15 individuals we measured the structural integrity of the amygdala - prefrontal pathway with diffusion tensor-weighted MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), amygdala-seeded intrinsic functional connectivity to the anterior cingulate, and attentional bias toward backward masked fearful faces with a dot-probe task. We found that greater biases in attention to threat predicted greater levels of uncinate fasciculus integrity, greater positive amygdala - anterior cingulate functional connectivity, and greater amygdala coupling with a broader social perception network including the superior temporal sulcus, tempoparietal junction (TPJ), and somatosensory cortex. Additionally, greater levels of uncinate fasciculus integrity correlated with greater levels of amygdala - anterior cingulate intrinsic functional connectivity. Thus, high bias individuals displayed a heightened degree of amygdala - anterior cingulate connectivity during basal conditions, which we believe predisposes these individuals to focus their attention on signals of threat within their environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Carlson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Carlson JM, Cha J, Harmon-Jones E, Mujica-Parodi LR, Hajcak G. Influence of the BDNF Genotype on Amygdalo-Prefrontal White Matter Microstructure is Linked to Nonconscious Attention Bias to Threat. Cereb Cortex 2013; 24:2249-57. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bht089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
|